Starbucks HK honours Chinese heritage with new concept store

Starbucks Hong Kong has launched a concept store at the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) in the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK), blending Chinese heritage, local artistry, and Starbucks coffee craftsmanship for a contemporary experience.

Designed as a tranquil retreat from the bustling city, the HKPM concept store invites customers to savour meaningful coffee moments together, in a setting shaped by creativity and connection.

From the moment customers step inside, the store reveals a serene architectural space inspired by Chinese tradition, expressed with modern sensibility. Guests are greeted by elegant brush calligraphy signage featuring the word “Starbucks”, created by local calligrapher Westley Wong, setting the tone for a space where cultural heritage and contemporary design meet seamlessly.

Inside, artist Elsa Ngai’s layered botanical artwork, created with mineral pigments and gold leaf, reveals subtle narratives of a coffee plant’s life cycle. The journey continues with a ceramic wall installation by porcelain sculptor Leo Wong, inspired by Yunnan’s lush landscape and Chinese philosophy and aesthetics. Through texture, form, and movement, the installation reimagines the beauty of coffee botanicals, presenting a visual celebration of contemplation and craft. 

The store features the work of the three Hong Kong artists, each bringing a deep passion for sharing and presenting their craft. Together, their creations serve as heartfelt tributes to coffee, inviting customers to slow down and discover beauty in the details.

With views of Victoria Harbour and contributions from local artists, the HKPM concept store has offered customers a chance to enjoy the scenery while immersing themselves in a vibrant artistic atmosphere—suitable for meaningful conversations, quiet reflection, or a relaxing afternoon with a Starbucks beverage.

To foster a sense of community where customers gather, connect, and unwind over crafted coffee moments, the concept store offers specially curated exclusive beverages, food, and merchandise. For example, there’s the plum blossoms oolong tea with foam, turmeric oatmilk Latte, and two themed treats: the golden pistachio pyramid cake and mummy’s secret roll, inspired by the ancient Egypt eeries.

In addition, the HKPM Store will be the first to debut the HKPM collection, curated in collaboration with the museum. Inspired by the imperial treasures of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties, the collection features four designs that incorporate elements drawn from the museum’s artifacts, paired with modern Starbucks aesthetics. The collection offers customers a contemporary interpretation of historical motifs through practical, thoughtfully designed merchandise.

The HKPM concept store will introduce Hong Kong’s first Starbucks engraving service, allowing customers to personalise selected tumbler styles with their choice of icons and messages. Coffee lovers can enrich their appreciation of the craft through micro-experiences, including hand-brewing sessions, latte art, and specially curated coffee flights—all led by Starbucks baristas who share the artistry and passion behind each cup.

Guests can also enjoy the exclusive HKPM stamp rally, collecting stamps at different corners of the store using a jade seal stamper to reveal the Starbucks Bearista dressed in traditional attire alongside the HKPM’s iconic architecture.

Alan Chan, general manager, Starbucks Hong Kong and Macau, said: “Our new store at the Hong Kong Palace Museum is a particularly meaningful addition for the Hong Kong market. This welcoming space brings together the richness of Chinese culture and the creativity of local artistry for visitors to experience the richness of Hong Kong’s culture.”

“Through thoughtfully curated products and experiences – from contemporary store design to exclusive food, beverages and merchandise, we aim to reimagine the Starbucks Third Place experience with local elements to welcome customers and foster deeper, more meaningful connections with the communities we serve across Hong Kong,” he added.

MARKETING-INTERACTIVE has reached out to Starbucks for more information. 

Don’t miss: Starbucks HK teams up with Kuromi for a whimsical coffeehouse adventure

Back in October last year, Starbucks Hong Kong partnered with Sanrio to bring the beloved characters KUROMI and her best friend BAKU to life in a playful collaboration that blends coffee, charm, and fun.

Known for her mischievous personality, KUROMI is always ready to have fun, while BAKU brings calm vibes to the mix. Together, they step into Starbucks, donning the signature green aprons, to create joyful moments for fans in Hong Kong, Macau and online stores.

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